"Together We Rise" Resilience Summit showcased innovative approach to officer wellness, crisis response and community engagement

Schaumburg, IL - Yesterday, Wednesday June 24th, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) hosted the Together We Rise Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Resilience Summit in Schaumburg. The event brought together law enforcement leaders, first responders, mental health professionals, and community advocates from across Illinois to focus on practical strategies for emotional well-being and long-term professional endurance.

Hosted in partnership with the ILETSB Executive Institute, the one-day summit addressed the increasing demands placed on crisis intervention professionals. First responders demonstrate incredible resilience every day as they navigate high-stakes crisis situations. To ensure they remain strong and effective, ILETSB is prioritizing comprehensive support systems for those who wear the badge.

"Public safety is about more than responding to emergencies - it is about supporting the people who serve our communities and the individuals they encounter every day," said Sean Smoot, Chairman of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. "Events like Together We Rise ensure that we are providing our agencies with the vital tools and strategies needed to promote wellness, strengthen community relationships, and build long-term resilience."

The summit featured presentations from renowned Trauma-Informed Leadership & Workplace Burnout expert Katharine Manning and founder & CEO of Cope Notes Johnny Crowder, offering valuable strategies for overcoming trauma and fostering mental resilience. Cook County Sheriff's Office Crisis Intervention & Behavioral Health Specialist Jason Couch also addressed attendees.

In addition to the keynote addresses, the summit highlighted the continued statewide growth of the law enforcement Crisis Response Therapy Canine Certification Program. The presentation showcased how therapy canines are breaking down barriers, supporting officer wellness following critical incidents, and building trust within communities.

A key component of this statewide therapy canine initiative is Tails of Redemption, an innovative program with the Cook County Sheriff's Office that provides incarcerated individuals opportunities to help train future therapy dogs. The program combines rehabilitation and public service while expanding access to therapy canines for agencies across Illinois.

The Together We Rise summit reflects ILETSB's ongoing commitment to advancing CIT training, officer wellness, and community-focused policing practices throughout Illinois.

For more information about the state CIT program, please visit: https://www.ptb.illinois.gov/training/crisis-intervention-team-cit/

About ILETSB

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board is the state agency mandated to promote and maintain a high level of professional standards for law enforcement and correctional officers. Its purpose is to promote and protect citizen health, safety, and welfare by encouraging municipalities, counties, park districts, State-controlled universities, colleges, public community colleges and other local governmental agencies of this state and participating State agencies in their efforts to upgrade and maintain a high level of training and standards for law enforcement personnel.